American Buttercream Frosting

Creamy, fluffy and not overly sweet compared to some frostings, this simple recipe is the go-to for hand-frosted everyday cakes and cupcakes.

Yield: 3 cups
Ingredients
  • 2 sticks (1/2 pound) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 pound confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 – 3 tablespoons heavy cream
Directions
  1. In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment), beat butter and sifted confectioners’ sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream and mix until smooth. Use immediately or store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing frosting to reach room temperature before using.

Kitchen Tips:

  • To create a lighter colored frosting, use clear vanilla extract, cream the butter longer, and substitute 1/2 of the butter with shortening.
  • For a sweeter frosting, add ¼ cup sifted confectioners’ sugar at a time until the desired sweetness is reached.
  • This is a great everyday frosting to hand frost cakes and cupcakes for that homey, homemade look. Substituting part or all of the butter with shortening is recommended if using for piping.
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  • American buttercream frosting. Esther 9:28. The Feast of Purim. I want to use lemon zest and orange zest in my frosting, instead of 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. I was wondering if the, 13"×9" pan, was the same as the, 13"×18" pan? The mine and master? The words and numbers seem to matter. I have only used one box of, Swans Down cake flour, and not the whole box, in these last 11 years, here at home. I see a second box, but it belongs to my mother. I have used, Gold Medal flour, and, King Arthur's flour, two bags of each, in that time, approximately. I am really glad or excited to bake and cook in our kitchen, though, being in my own kitchen, on my own, as a single woman, happened when I was in my 20's. I am an elderly woman of 55 years old, now. I suppose ownership is inherited? I love your law. What the lord requires. So, walk in the spirit, is my motto. It's nice to read other responses from your customers. I live in, Los Angeles, California, and have family in, Louisiana, Baton Rouge. I was experiencing the loss of my grandfather Lee Kelly Hutton, Senior, in 2012 and 2013, when we had a family reunion, in Louisiana. I didn't go, so, I was hoping to visit the state. I am praying for the resurrection. Praise to god.

    • Hi Christine, Yes, you can certainly use salted butter in this frosting recipe. It will give you a slightly different flavor, but should not cause adverse effects to the other ingredients. Happy Baking!

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  • SwansDown has been used in our family since before I was born! My Aunty made the best pound cake and wouldn't use any other flour! I use her recipe (but she still had the magic touch over mine!) So glad I found your page on the Facebook!

    • Hi Michelle, We LOVE hearing stories of baking traditions being passed down and are happy that you have found us too. Happy Baking!

  • I bought your flour in Fort Buchanan Military Base in Puerto Rico.

    Thank you to sent me a recipe sheets. You're my inspiration. I'll dedicate my diploma to you. Am studying in the University and I am using your product, flour. Thanks to be my mentor and sponsor. I would like to have any recipe book from Swams Downs for my presentation in August 2021. Let me know how much cost and the way to get it.

    At the present time, I have to practice very hard how to cook and decorate a wedding cake. We have 4 months taking virtual classes and 2 months in the classroom, kitchen laboratory.

    • Hi Gethzaida, Thank you for the kind words. We love hearing from our happy Swans Down users. I've asked our Consumer Affairs to get in touch with you. Best of luck with your studies, and please let us know how your presentation cake turns out. Happy baking!

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